The State Security Service (SSS) and customs officials conducted a joint operation, detaining two individuals: A.H., a resident of Tashkent’s Almazar district, born in 1966, and E.S., a resident of Andijan, born in 1963. The men were apprehended during the transaction, where A.H. was selling the coins to E.S.

Further inspection of A.H.'s vehicle revealed an additional 37 gold coins. According to experts, the coins, minted between 1897 and 1911, weigh a total of 776 grams and are categorized as cultural artifacts due to their historical and artistic significance. The coins, with denominations of 5 and 10 rubles and purities of 900 and 916, are valued at approximately 950 million UZS.

Authorities noted that E.S. had planned to transport the coins, popularly referred to as "Nikolaev" coins, to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, for resale.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspects under Article 177, part 4, section “a” of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which pertains to the illegal acquisition or sale of foreign currency in especially large amounts. The investigation is ongoing.